Punisher War Journal #20
Story Line: Jigsaw part 3
Date: June 4th 2008
Price: $2.99
Writers: Matt Fraction & Rick Remender
Artist: Howard Chaykin

Synopsis: One word: JIGSAW. In this prelude to the next major story-arc in PUNISHER WAR JOURNAL, we get to spend a little time with the man, the myth, and the monster that’s earned the right to call himself the Punisher’s arch-nemesis. What is it about Frank Castle that makes this otherwise sane, if a little sinister, gangster go absolutely and completely insane whenever he’s around? What buttons can Frank possibly push that pushes Jigsaw over the edge of sanity? Find out straight from the horse’s mouth, kiddies: JIGSAW starts here, ends in blood, and features a whole lot of violence in-between. By Matt Fraction (IMMORTAL IRON FIST, casanova) and Howard Chaykin (WOLVERINE).

Opinion: Frank Castle, one-man vigilante and super villain ass kicking machine has seen his share of good and bad days. His newest series has go though many stylistic and story arch changes within it’s limited run. Thankfully, Fraction has seemed to finally hit his stride.  He has managed to do this by dropping the convoluted stories about Frank’s patriotism and stopped sending him against corny supper villains. This, my friends, is what makes the story work.

Read my full review after the jump.


Now I would be lying if I said I wasn’t a little remiss about some of the changes. For a brief moment The Punisher was one of the more thought provoking titles in Marvel’s pantheon. However, these days have passed. What we have is a noir comic with bullets flying and the evil being reprimanded. Or, to be blunt, we have The Punisher.

The latest arc has Frank Castle on the ropes, as mastermind jigsaw has decided to off his nemesis once and for all. A series of attacks by an imposter has lead towards a city-wide man hunt of our anti hero and a renewed effort to bring him in by shield. So it is basically everyone vs. Frank.

Folks, let just call this issue preaching to the choir. It isn’t deep, it isn’t stylish but it’s the Punisher god damn it. Existing fans will eat it up, others simply won’t.  

// Remember! You do not have to register in order to post comments!

// //

Rate This Issue:

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 4 out of 5)
Loading ... Loading ...